Linda Garrigan Named Schenectady’s 2026 Teacher of the Year
Linda Garrigan, a highly respected second-grade teacher at William C. Keane Elementary School, was named the Schenectady City School District's 2026 Teacher of the Year on Thursday, December 18, 2025. Superintendent Dr. Carlos M. Cotto, Jr., made the surprise announcement at the school, with Garrigan's family, students, and colleagues in attendance. The entire school celebrated Garrigan as students and staff stood outside their classrooms holding signs, clapping, cheering and singing, "we love you." Representatives from the Schenectady City School District Educational Foundation were also on hand and presented a $1,000 check to Garrigan.
“I am thrilled and incredibly proud to announce Linda Garrigan, a dedicated second-grade teacher, as the 2026 Schenectady Teacher of the Year,” said Cotto. “This honor is a testament to her deep commitment, infectious passion, and the profound, positive impact she has on her students every single day. Ms. Garrigan exemplifies the very best of our profession, fostering a nurturing and innovative learning environment where every child feels seen, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential. She is a true asset to our district and an inspiration to her colleagues.”
Garrigan's selection recognizes her multifaceted role within the school community, encompassing exceptional instruction, leadership, and deep advocacy. She is widely known for her passion, kindness, mentorship and support.
Furthermore, she is an active member of several key school committees and teams, including the Anti-Racist Building Level Team, School Community Engagement Team, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), New Teacher Mentoring, and Family Outreach.
Kerri Messler, Principal of Keane Elementary School, who has worked with Garrigan for almost six years, praised her ability to build strong, trusting relationships.
“Mrs. Garrigan is passionately committed to ensuring that every child finds success – academically, socially, and emotionally,” said Principal Messler. “She holds herself and her students to the highest standards and continuously seeks opportunities to grow her practice.”
Messler highlighted that Garrigan's commitment often extends beyond the classroom, citing acts of genuine care mentioning how she delivered supplies to homes during the COVID pandemic. She helps families access medical resources and welcomes new students with ice cream meet-and-greets. “Her classroom is a place where students feel seen, valued, and challenged to reach their full potential.”
Garrigan received several powerful letters of support from her colleagues, highlighting her work ethic and effectiveness.
Charlene Boynton-Carter, Instructional Math Coach, noted Garrigan’s stellar communication and data-driven instruction. “The impressive academic progress of her students is a direct reflection of her data-driven instruction and her relentless pursuit of excellence,” she stated, praising Garrigan’s tireless work outside of school hours.
Christal Wheeler-Cleland, ELA Instructional Coach, remarked that Garrigan’s students’ growth data often outperforms other classes, with striving learners making large jumps. “This can only be attributed to Linda’s fierceness in advocating for the children in her room,” she said.
Aaron Giumarra, Restorative Practice Specialist, emphasized Garrigan as a champion of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), integrating its principles seamlessly into her daily interactions. “She understands that education is as much about nurturing the heart as it is about the mind,” Giumarra said.
Kindergarten teacher Dana Bass further summarized Garrigan’s impact noting that she leads by example, fosters collaboration among staff, serves on committees, leads professional development, attends community events, and contributes to initiatives that strengthen both academic and emotional growth for students.
Parents unanimously expressed deep appreciation for Garrigan’s dedication and communication style.
Parent Hemwattie Ramroop said Garrigan's passion is clear from day one. “Her patience is unmatched, her kindness is sincere, and her dedication is something that deserves to be recognized on the highest level. The impact she has made on my daughter’s confidence, learning, and overall well-being is immeasurable,” Ramroop said, also raving about the consistent communication, noting, “she calls me every day with updates.”
Another parent, Amanda Persaud, shared that Garrigan helped both of her daughters grow tremendously in reading and math, even dropping off schoolwork at their home when they were sick.
The student perspective was captured simply and powerfully by one student, Zephora, who wrote, “She is polite, organized, caring and kind. She’s a queen.”
“In every sense, Mrs. Garrigan creates a culture of care balanced with love, rigor, and laughter, qualities that define the very best educators in Schenectady,” concluded Principal Messler.
As Schenectady’s 2026 Teacher of the Year, Garrigan is now eligible to compete for the New York State Teacher of the Year.
